Pompey will look to finish their successful first season back in the Championship on a positive note when they host Hull on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off). John Mousinho's men are on a four-match unbeaten run and could finish as high as 13th with another three-point haul. There is slightly more riding on the contest for the visitors, however, who are currently sitting inside the relegation zone. But because the struggling pair of Derby and Stoke face each other this weekend, the Tigers know that victory would guarantee survival. A defeat would consign Rubén Sellés' side to the drop, while a draw would leave them depending on other results. That means that it will not just be the Fratton faithful getting behind the Blues – they will also be backed by fans of the Rams and the Potters, plus those from Luton and Preston. City find themselves in such a perilous position following last weekend's home defeat to Derby and have won just one of their past five games. It finished 1-1 when the teams met on Humberside back in November, with Josh Murphy cancelling out a João Pedro opener, but Hull romped to a 4-0 victory – thanks in part to a couple of Jack Whatmough own-goals – in the most recent south coast contest in January 2021. TEAM NEWS Adil Aouchiche (wrist), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Hayden Matthews (ankle), Alexander Milošević (calf), Zak Swanson (heel), Thomas Waddingham (hamstring) and Jordan Williams (hamstring) are all currently sidelined. Hull are without Louie Barry (knee), Mohamed Belloumi (knee), Eliot Matazo (knee), Liam Millar (knee), Regan Slater (ankle) and Óscar Zambrano (ban), but John Egan has recovered from a back problem. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Conor Shaughnessy ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 22 wins Hull: 14 wins 21 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 12 wins Hull: 5 wins 11 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 0 Hull 4 (Whatmough (2 OGs), Honeyman, Magennis) League One January 23 2021 TICKETS Tickets have sold out, but the ticket exchange will remain open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. Season ticket holders are reminded to keep hold of their cards, which will be reused for the 2025/26 campaign. OFFICIALS Referee: John Busby Assistants: Mark Russell and Matthew Smith Fourth Official: Sam Mulhall Busby last took charge of Pompey when they were beaten at Bristol City in the final fixture of 2024, booking one player from each side. He has taken charge of 30 games so far this season, booking a total of 91 players and sending two – including Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski at Fratton Park – for an early bath. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ channel and app. Those based overseas can see all the action on Pompey+ (also available on Paramount+ in the USA), either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The matchday show is live before the game and for the first time, will be free to view. Click here for more details. George Wedlake will be joined by Andy Awford and Paul Robinson in the Fratton Park studio, with a guest appearance from derby day hero David Norris. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Ian Wilding and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen, as always, via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
Pompey have recalled skipper Marlon Pack in place of Andre Dozzell in central midfield, and fit again winger Callum Lang presumably as a number ten behind striker Colby Bishop. Harvey Blair starts on the right wing, and Josh Murphy on the left wing. That is quite an attacking line up !! Hull have ex-Pompey loanee Abu Kamara in the starting line up.
Freddie Potts header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt Ritchie with a cross. 23 minutes.
Matt Ritchie wins the ball back with a great challenge and Josh Murphy's long-range effort is blocked. 40 minutes.
Marlon Pack header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Matt Ritchie with a cross following a corner. 45 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-1 to Hull. After a slow start, we have got back into the game, but yet to score. Hull are way up for this match - 9 fouls (to our 3) and two yellow cards. They must have been fed raw meat before kick off
